DC; June 1983
Cover by Gil Kane and Dick Giordano
Title: “Luthor Unleashed!”
Synopsis: Lex Luthor’s latest plot for revenge against Superman ends with the destruction of a planet – and some serious, burning hatred!
Writer: Cary Bates
Penciler: Curt Swan
Inker: Murphy Anderson
Review: While many anniversary issues are content to celebrate the status quo, this issue shakes things up with a pair of supervillain revamps. Beyond a new look, Lex Luthor gets additional motivation from Cary Bates’ well crafted, tragic tale. The art is typical “Swanderson” – technically solid, but rather bland.
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Title: “Rebirth!”
Synopsis: An evil plot and a journey through time and space see Brainiac reborn as a living, conquering machine.
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Penciler: Gil Kane
Inker: Kane
Review: Marv Wolfman’s Brainiac revamp is convoluted but promising. Gil Kane’s art is dynamic, but his Superman is a little off.
Grade (for the whole issue): B+
Cool factor: Both of the villain revamps have some juice to them. And this is one of those cool anniversary issues where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
Not-so-cool factor: This reviewer has never been a fan of the “Swanderson” art team. There’s no question the duo is technically proficient, but both their rendering and storytelling come off dated and dull.
Notable: First appearance of the armored Lex Luthor and the more-robotic Brainiac. … This issue includes pinups by George Pérez (designer of the new-look Luthor), Ed Hannigan (designer of the new-look Brainiac) and Joe Shuster (drawing Superman for perhaps the last time). … Also includes a “Happy 45th Anniversary, Superman!” essay from co-creator Jerry Siegel.
Character quotable: “I’m coming for you Superman … and I have only just begun to hate!” — The new-and-“impoved” Lex Luthor, getting his internal mad on.
Copyright ©2016 Off the Wahl Productions, all rights reserved. Each week, T. Andrew Wahl takes a look at a Bronze Age Fantastic First. For more reviews like this one, check out Wahl’s website, SequentialReaction.com.
